For IU coach Tom Allen, some choices have been obvious. Reigning IndyStar Mr. Football Reese Taylor, for example, looks like an all-season kind of player, as the Hoosiers try to capitalize on what Allen called a “unique skillset that we’re trying to utilize.”

With classes underway in Bloomington and the season opener less than two weeks out, Allen said he’s seen a few unexpected names force their way into that third group.

After a weekend scrimmage, linebacker Micah McFadden and defensive lineman Shamar Jones joined the list.

A freshman from Tampa (Fla.) Plant, McFadden is one of several Florida prospects to land in Bloomington since Allen’s arrival as defensive coordinator in 2016. McFadden could factor into Allen’s thinking this fall, on special teams if not on defense.

“We knew he was a really good player, but you never know how they’re gonna come into fall camp and play, handling all the new things they have,” Allen said. “He’s a guy that I think has really elevated himself and put himself in a position to be in that consideration.”

IU defensive lineman Shamar Jones is working his way into the rotation as a freshman.(Photo: Missy Minear/Indiana Athletics)

Jones comes to IU from Pennsylvania. Working primarily at defensive tackle, he could figure into a defensive line rotation that will count on young or inexperienced players for depth this fall.

“I think he has a chance to have a niche for us skillset-wise,” Allen said.

Freshman tight end Matt Bjorson might also be in line to take advantage of the new redshirt rule.

Freshman quarterback Michael Penix also remains in the thick of the race to start at that spot, and even if he doesn't, he could also see some playing time under the new redshirt rule as well.

Stevie Scott in the mix at RB

Wherever freshman running back Stevie Scott fell on Allen’s scale coming into fall camp, he appears to have moved himself fully into the rotation now.

One of the surprise packages of the preseason at any position, Scott excelled in this weekend’s scrimmage, according to Allen. Based on Allen’s comments Monday, Scott could find himself in the mix with Morgan Ellison, Cole Gest and Mike Majette in the backfield.

“We wanted to give him an opportunity, see what he can do,” Allen said, referring to that scrimmage. “We really wanted to see Stevie and he didn’t disappoint. He’s a big load and has really good feet and understands how to run, which is part of it, and is also picking up blitzes and all the little things you have to do to be a complete back.”

Flipped from Rutgers during the 2018 cycle, Scott is listed at 6-2, 236 pounds. He looks every bit of it, and has used his size to his benefit during fall camp.

Allen said he expected Scott to stand out physically early on. Scott’s mental adjustment has impressed IU’s coach.

“He’s a bright kid, but that usually isn’t the reason why (freshmen) don’t pick it up,” Allen said. “It’s just experience. The physical part we knew was there. We just had to get the mental part and understand the system. He’s been a pleasant surprise.”

Stover done, Watercutter injured

Allen announced Monday that redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Grayson Stover has been granted a medical non-counter, ending his IU career.

Players may receive a medical non-counter if they endure an injury serious enough to end their career. Stover can remain on scholarship academically, though he will not count against the program’s 85-scholarship limit.

The Spring Hill, Fla., native appeared in eight games last season.

Redshirt senior tight end Ryan Watercutter will miss time with an unspecified injury as well, per Allen.

“He’s gonna be sidelined for a little bit,” Allen said. “More than anything, I hate it for him, just because he’s one of those guys that does everything you ask and has been such a great teammate, a hard, hard worker and a good player for us.”

Watercutter figured to be in the mix to start at tight end, after catching 12 passes for 69 yards backing up Ian Thomas last season. Allen didn’t outline a timetable for his return.

CLOSE

The quarterback decision will be made soon, as should other close position battles.
Jordan Guskey, IndyStar

Odds and ends

>> Allen hosted a reunion of more than 90 former IU players in Indianapolis over the weekend. Alumni spanning from the Rose Bowl team in 1967 to some of Kevin Wilson’s recent squads attended the event.

“Had them go around the whole room, when they played, who they played for. It was just neat. And several of them mentioned they’d never done something like that before, getting all those groups together,” Allen said. “We did it up in Chicago a couple weeks ago, did it in Indianapolis (Sunday) night.

“I’m just determined to get these alumni a part of this thing, help them know how much we care about them, how important they are to us. They’re a part of the family, and I want them to come back and watch us play, support us in whatever way they can, and let them know that they’re welcome.”

>> Redshirt senior linebacker Dameon Willis, who wasn’t with the team in the spring but rejoined in the summer, is the frontrunner at middle linebacker right now, though Allen said success at that position will require depth behind Willis.

>> With Watercutter out, Austin Dorris and Tri-West alum Peyton Hendershot are among the players factoring into the conversation to start at tight end.

>> Centers Nick Linder and Hunter Littlejohn have also both worked some at guard, according to offensive coordinator Mike DeBord. Sophomore Harry Crider, who has predominantly played guard this fall, could also back them up at center, giving IU’s offensive line flexibility at those interior spots.